Oodles of zoodles at Toowomba’s Vapiano
THE popularity of zucchini noodles as a healthy alternative to pasta has seen a huge spike in zucchini sales, prompting restaurants to jump on the carb-conscious craze.
Mark Jensen from Queensland wholesale fruit and vegetable supplier Jensens Market Supplies estimated a 30% increase in zucchini sales over the past six months.
“We’ve definitely seen more restaurants, cafes and the public going for zucchinis, mostly because of the rise in popularity of zucchini noodles. People are going mad for it,” he said.
The latest restaurant to add zoodles to the menu is Vapiano, famous for its gourmet house-made pizza and pasta, which has rolled out zucchini noodles as a green alternative to pasta.
Vapiano Australia managing director Will Cooke said the addition of the gluten-free, low-carb option was a natural evolution for the brand.
“Zoodles are an evolution of our commitment to giving our customers the ultimate choice and provide another lighter alternative to our famous house-made pasta dishes,” he said.
“We’ve always offered our customers options that are easy on the hips, including a range of tomato-based sauces and organic wholegrain pasta.
“With zoodles in the mix, we’re extending our range showing our customers that you don’t have to sacrifice flavour for health.”
Queensland nutritionist Paige Redford said zoodles provided a vibrant and fresh power-packed alternative to pasta.
They are now available at Vapiano Toowoomba for a $2 surcharge.